Sweat

Luke 22:39-44 (The Message)

39-40 Leaving there, he went, as he so often did, to Mount Olives. The disciples followed him. When they arrived at the place, he said, "Pray that you don't give in to temptation."

41-44 He pulled away from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed, "Father, remove this cup from me. But please, not what I want. What do you want?"

At once an angel from heaven was at his side, strengthening him. He prayed on all the harder.

Sweat, wrung from him like drops of blood, poured off his face.

I am so thankful for this passage of scripture.

"Gethsemane" is such a pivotal passage for followers of Jesus.

If Jesus had simply marched bravely to the cross with no struggle, we might be tempted to demonize our own temptations and doubts.

The trial that lay before Jesus was enough to give anyone significant pause. Most of us would run from the kinds of accusations, torture, condemnation and execution that awaited him.

And so he prayed. And we can learn so much from his prayer.

Jesus was completely honest before God, with no reservations. He prayed that if there were any possible way...that the "cup" could be removed.

There is no shame in this kind of prayer. In fact, it is the very pattern of prayer that could bring much healing to those who follow Jesus.

Honesty. Name the struggle. Cleanse the soul. Admit fear and pain.

And then emerge into a place of peace and resolution.

"Not what I want...what do you want?"

As soon as Jesus surrendered his will in unity with the Father, angels attended him and he was strengthened for whatever would come.

Gethsemane is the perfect picture of honest struggle...and the strength that only God can provide.

Prayer: If we are in pain, if we are afraid, if we are uncertain...we call on your strength, our Father. May you bring us to the place of peace, and may angels attend our needs.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.